Ghana: Fears of an imminent major earthquake heighten

There is heightened fear among Ghanaians following recent occurrences of earth tremors in part of Ghana.

Within three months, local media has reported of at least two major earth tremors in the capital city Accra.

On Saturday parts of Accra were hit with a tremor once again, sparking fears among city dwellers.

During earthquakes, the movement of the earth surface registers around the magnitude of 4.0 and higher, according to geologists.

But in terms of tremors the earth surface movement is less than a magnitude of 4.0. So tremors are usually minor earthquakes.

Ghana’s tremor records

In December 2018, there was an earth trembling in the city with geologists fearing the worst in the future.

In 2019 alone two earth tremors have so far been recorded. The first happened in January and the latest occurred just on Saturday night.

According to Ghanaian officials the country in the past experienced earth tremors in 1997, 2003 and 2006.

The worst tremor ever recorded in Ghana was in 1936.

Officials of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) have already warned people living in areas hit by recent tremors to evacuate.

They fear many would be taken by surprise in times of a potential earthquake.

Accra based news website Citinewsroom quoted one geologist, Nicholas Opoku as saying that the tremors “give an indication that there is a big one [earthquake] there that may happen in the future. It is a signal that we have to prepare for so that we are not taken by surprise.”

Signal of a major earthquake

Earth tremors are usually an indication of potential earthquakes which involves the shaking of the surface of the Earth.

Ghana is not known for major disasters like earthquakes but with an increase in tremor occurrences the country might not be immune to an earthquake.

So far there hasn’t been any major campaign by Ghanaian officials on what citizens should do in case of a possible earthquake.

There appears to be no preparedness for a potential disaster as well. But the fear among citizens is evident.

Fear among Ghanaians

On social media many Ghanaians have shared concerns and appear helpless as these tremors occur.

Richard Sky (Snr.)@RichardDelaSky

When earth tremor becomes a frequent visitor, as the Accra situation seems to suggest, MUST we not begin to prepare for its EVIL COUSIN, Earthquake, may well be on its way with the horrors we see it unleash in other parts of this world? Or I am wrong? I woke up a very worried man

Gary =

✔@garyalsmith

Accra has had FOUR earth tremors in 2019 alone, including tonight.

Probably a good time for our experts to advise on what’s going on?

Cant be coincidence.

Ama K Abebrese@Ama_K_Abebrese

I experienced my fist ever earth tremor Achimota last night, and it was pretty scary.